The new cool: where to stay, eat and drink in Singapore

Singapore: the city where history meets the future. Alive with old world culture and new, forward-thinking technologies, it's no wonder that every other month a new bar, restaurant or hotel is opening in the bustling city of South East Asia. With that in mind, we thought it was time you gave your Singapore hotspot list a bit of an update. Introducing the new 'cool' - where to stay, eat and drink in the city that is continually changing.

Stay:

1. The Warehouse Hotel

Newsflash: boutique is chic, and it doesn't get more boutique-chic than The Warehouse Hotel. Housing a humble 37 loft-style rooms, The Warehouse Hotel is essentially just that - a restored warehouse situated on the riverfront of Singapore River. The decor is an amalgamation of industrial and modern with a floating timber staircase leading up to the first storey rooms; and high ceilings that are so rare to find in mass-chain hotels. Originally built in 1985 and used as part of the Straits of Malacca trade route, The Warehouse Hotel is the perfect portrayal of Singaporean culture; taking something old and making it new again.

If you are after a quick and easy bite to eat, P.S Café Petit offers delicious eating in and taking away options that when shared won't hurt the bank too much (eating out in general can ere on the expensive side in Singapore, especially if you're ordering a glass or two of wine). Serving delicious and quick pizzas, pastas, salads, burgers and pub-style mains, there is guaranteed to be something on the menu to satisfy your hunger.

In every city there is one restaurant that you simply must eat at; in Singapore it's Artichoke. Tucked in the heart of Singapore's art district and headed by international chef Bjorn Shen, the laid back dinning serves up experimental Middle Eastern dishes; think hot skillet prawns with harissa; candied bacon kebabs; and creamy hummus with tahini, sumac and pickled cucumbers that gives traditional Middle Eastern hummus a run for its money. The restaurant's ethos is to create delicious (and slightly rebellious) food and all plates are designed to share. Take your friends for dinner and you'll want to stay the whole night.

You can't eat in Singapore without visiting one of the city's hawker centres - and if you're going to visit any, it needs to be in Little India. A hawker centre is essentially a large food court housing various stalls serving quick and easy dishes, mostly attended by locals. Head to Little India's hawker centre for breakfast and you will be treated to flavourful, creative plates including; roti prata - an egg crepe served with curry sauce; thosai - potato crepe served with vegetable masala; and appon - a saucer style crepe served with coconut milk. Go to experience how locals typically eat out, stay for the delicious street-style food. Hot tip: each food stall is marked with an A-B-C hygiene rating.

Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore.

Drink:

1. 2am: Dessert Bar

Headed by international chef, Janice Wong (although a much more appropriate title would be culinary artist/scientist), 2am is a modern fine dining bar that serves up experimental cocktails and desserts. Think chocolate praline poprocks cake and Tsujirihei green tea plated up to absolute perfection. You better have your phone handy because each dish is what Instagram #foodporn dreams are made of.

I wish there were words to describe the beauty and majesty of Gardens by the Bay; even images do not do the two huge flower filled domes justice. Walking into the Cloud Forest is an experience like no other. The man-made glass arena is like a horticultural Willy Wonka factory filled with hundreds of trees and draping fauna that wrap around a 35 metre high waterfall; meanwhile, bustling tourists shuffle across overhead walkways with nothing but expressions of awe on their faces. Hot tip: visit in the evening and you will be treated to a musical light show following.

A trip to Sentosa can be likened to a trip to the Gold Coast - except without all the reasons you typically chose not to visit the Gold Coast for (no fake tan, short skirts or gym junkies). Despite the easy 20 minute drive, the Island feels oddly removed from the high rises and city-life of Singapore; like its own little tropical fun-park escape. Sentosa houses various theme parks and adventure water parks, and has recently opened a AJ Hackett bungy tower; standing at 50m high it serves some of the most scenic man-made tropical island views in Singapore (but the only way down is to jump - you'll regret it if you don't).

- If it is your first time exploring the city, we suggest you organise a guide and a driver for a day or two. Buro 24/7 Australia was guided by the lovely Winnie from Singapore Tourism who was equal parts knowledgeable, friendly and funny.

- If you are after a food and cultural experience, we suggest taking a 'Wok and Stroll' tour. The walking food tour is assisted by a guide who can share some of Singapore's traditional and most delicious best kept secrets: woknstroll.com.sg

- The fastest way to zip around the city is on the MRT (Mass Rapit Transit). The railway system is incredibly efficient and a breath of fresh air for Sydney-siders to experience.

Buro 24/7 travelled to Singapore as a guest of Singapore Tourism Board.